Monthly Archives: November 2016

To an audience of over 70 people, IASC’s Director, Attorney Michael Doyle, gave a presentation at Norwich Adult Education about the 2016 election and its possible consequences on immigration law and policy. Addressing widespread concerns, Doyle spoke about the threatened elimination of programs like DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and portions of TPS (Temporary Protected Status). He outlined what is known so far and what still remains unknown about the incoming administration’s plans for immigration changes. Doyle reiterated IASC’s mission and vision to provide continued support and commitment to all those who need it during these uncertain times. Doyle also expressed how important community solidarity and supporting one another will be as the nation move forward into 2017.

Doyle and Norwich Adult Education committed to the crowd that follow-up sessions would be planned to help those particularly affected by threatened changes to the law. Norwich Adult Education provides adult learners various pathways to complete their high school education, learn English as a second language, and master the questions and concepts required to pass the U.S. citizenship exams.

After the 2016 election, faculty, students, and staff of Connecticut College had the unique opportunity to sit down and discuss reactions to the rhetoric of the election with IASC’s director Attorney Mike Doyle. This meeting helped to highlight that the way to move forward is to work together toward understanding others’ views and concerns.

After last Tuesday’s election, the rhetoric
of the victorious party is determinedly set against immigrants, causing immediate fear among many immigrant populations.

In Sunday’s edition of the New London Day, IASC’s Director, Attorney Michael Doyle, was featured emphasizing the positive rhetoric of the United States being a Nation of Immigrants saying that “Without immigrants, we really wouldn’t have this country.”

IASC is determined to move forward by focusing on the positive. While a major concern is the recipients of DACA, all immigrant populations at risk face the same fears of losing the country that they have come to know and being separated from their families.

Although little is known concerning what exact form new policies will take, in cooperation with other local organizations IASC hopes to move forward by being cautious and well informed, but mostly by bringing people together.

Earlier this week, Donald Trump was elected the next President of the United States. Over the course of his campaign, Trump has threatened to build a wall, close the border to refugees, and deport millions of people. As an organization that dedicates itself to the advocacy of immigrants, IASC is deeply saddened and alarmed by the implications of these proposed policies as they directly relate to the communities that we serve.

We at IASC would like to guarantee our continued support for the communities we have proudly served throughout our short time in the New London area. We would also like to remind everyone of the potential we have as a people to overcome this adversity. This past election was a voter turnout milestone for many of the demographics that make up our community. The Latino vote this year has had a bigger impact in the election than ever before. In addition to this, Muslim communities around the country have mobilized more of their members to have their voices heard. With this progress in mind we at IASC would like to stress that now is the time to continue to stand in solidarity, and to double our efforts.